Four people, including a six-year-old boy, died and over 40 were injured when a century-old iron bridge collapsed near Kundamala village in Pune, Maharashtra, India on Sunday afternoon (June 15). Six of the injured are in critical condition. The bridge, built during British rule and spanning 250 metres over the Indrayani River, gave way under the weight of a large crowd, many of whom had gathered at the popular tourist spot. Some were also riding motorbikes across it, reports regional agencies.
Despite a visible warning sign and restrictions on access, tourists continued to use the rusted, narrow bridge. Authorities confirmed that 39 people were rescued from the river, and 32 were taken to three nearby hospitals: Pawana Multi-speciality, Atharv, and MIMER. Chief Minister of Indian Maharashtra province Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences, announced 5 lakh Indian rupees compensation for each victim’s family, and assured free treatment for the injured. He said the NDRF had been deployed quickly and that rescue operations were conducted efficiently.
NDRF officials noted that the bridge had long been in poor condition and was clearly marked as dangerous. Local police and MIDC had placed a warning sign four years ago, but it was routinely ignored.
Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi said a probe committee would be formed to examine administrative lapses and the enforcement of monsoon tourism guidelines. He emphasized the need for public cooperation with safety advisories.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil confirmed the bridge was off-limits to pedestrians and two-wheelers. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule added that she had raised the issue multiple times, urging the construction of a new bridge to avoid such tragedies.
Local police said crowd control at the site has always been a challenge, especially during weekends, as tourists often ignore safety warnings and argue with officials.